Access Control Systems
Secure, compliant access control for commercial premises across London and the South East — with life safety at the centre of every design, and full fire alarm integration as standard.
Need assistance with your fire or security system?
Call our team on 020 3376 2672
What We Do
We design, install, modify and maintain access control systems that balance security with life safety. Every system is configured to ensure safe egress during emergencies — and we coordinate directly with fire alarm contractors to complete integration correctly.
Design & Installation
- Site surveys and risk-based design
- New system installations (standalone or networked)
- Card/fob/biometric/mobile credentials
Fire Alarm Integration
- Automatic door release on fire alarm activation
- Fail-safe operation for safe egress
- Emergency egress compliance advice
Hardware & Upgrades
- Door hardware supply and fitting
- System upgrades and expansions
- Power supply and battery backup
Maintenance & Support
- Planned preventative maintenance (PPM)
- Fault diagnosis and repairs
- User permissions and audit trails
Typical Environments
We work across a wide range of commercial and institutional premises — each system designed around the specific security and life safety requirements of the building:
Who We Work With
Supporting the people responsible for building security and life safety compliance
Facilities Managers
Ongoing servicing, system upgrades and fire alarm integration support. Technical reviews, clear quotations and full documentation to support building management and life safety compliance reporting.
Managing Agents
Service takeovers, system upgrades and outstanding works for managed commercial property portfolios. Responsive delivery with clear reporting for landlords and leaseholders.
Main Contractors
Access control installation, fire alarm integration and handover for new build and refurbishment projects. Programme coordination, practical completion support and full documentation for building control sign-off.
Commercial Property End Users
Direct support for owners and occupiers needing installation, servicing or upgrades. Site surveys, practical advice and fixed-price quotations tailored to building use and life safety requirements.
Legal Requirements & Compliance
Access control must never compromise life safety. Emergency exits and escape routes must remain available at all times — and any system that restricts egress must be designed and tested to release automatically on fire alarm activation. We ensure every installation meets these obligations.
Fire Safety Order 2005
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, emergency exits and escape routes must be available for use at all times when the building is occupied.
- Doors must open without key or card in the direction of escape
- Break-glass units for emergency override
- Request-to-exit (REX) devices on egress side
- Automatic door release on fire alarm activation
British Standards & Data Protection
We design and install to recognised standards, and advise on data protection obligations where access control systems log personal data.
- BS 7273-4 – Door release mechanisms
- Building Regulations Approved Document B – Means of escape
- Equality Act 2010 – Accessible egress for all
- UK GDPR & Data Protection Act – Audit trail compliance
Maintenance, Testing & System Integrity
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your access control system secure, reliable and compliant with life safety requirements. We provide documented service records after every visit.
Door Hardware & Locking
- Electric locks, strikes and maglocks tested
- Door alignment and closer adjustment
- REX devices tested for reliable egress
- Break-glass units inspected
- Door position switches verified
Controllers & Readers
- Controller firmware and software updates
- Reader functionality and credential validation
- Network connectivity checks
- Event logging verification
- Time synchronisation across devices
Fire Alarm Integration
- Simulate fire alarm activation
- Verify automatic door release
- Check monitored inputs and fault reporting
- Confirm fail-safe operation
- Document test results
Changing Provider or Inheriting a System?
If you've had issues with doors not releasing correctly, unresolved faults, missing service records or poor responsiveness from a previous contractor, we can carry out a system health check, verify fire alarm integration and take over ongoing maintenance. We'll give you an honest assessment before committing to a contract.
Common Issues We Fix
Access control systems can develop faults over time. We diagnose and resolve issues quickly to restore security and ensure safe egress.
Integration fault, wiring issue or controller configuration error
Reader failure, wiring fault, controller communication loss
Lock mechanism fault, power supply issue, door misalignment
PIR sensor fault, push pad failure, wiring or configuration issue
Network fault, controller failure, software/firmware issue
Flat or failed batteries, PSU fault, charging circuit issue
How We Work
A structured approach from initial survey through to handover — with clear documentation and no hidden costs.
Site Survey
We visit your premises to understand your security requirements, identify doors needing access control, assess fire alarm integration points and discuss life safety obligations.
Scope & Quotation
A detailed scope of works and fixed-price quotation covering equipment, installation, commissioning, documentation and handover. No hidden costs.
Design (if required)
For larger or more complex systems, we produce a design document showing door schedules, controller locations, wiring routes and fire alarm integration points.
Installation / Modification
Our engineers install controllers, readers, locks and associated hardware with minimal disruption. We coordinate with your fire alarm contractor to complete integration.
Testing & Commissioning
Every door, reader, lock and REX device is tested. Fire alarm integration is verified to confirm automatic door release. All results are documented.
Handover & PPM
You receive full system documentation and user training. We offer PPM contracts to keep your system compliant, reliable and properly maintained.
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Learn MoreCommon Questions
What is the difference between standalone and networked access control?
A standalone system has a controller at each door that operates independently — credentials are programmed locally and there is no central management software. These are cost-effective for small installations with a limited number of doors. A networked system connects all controllers back to a central server or cloud platform, allowing you to manage user permissions, view access logs and make changes across all doors from a single interface. Networked systems are better suited to larger buildings, multi-site portfolios or anywhere that requires audit trails, time-based access rules or rapid credential revocation across multiple entry points.
Can access control be fitted to my existing doors?
In most cases, yes. Access control hardware — card readers, electric locks, strikes, maglocks and REX devices — can be retrofitted to existing door frames and leaves without full door replacement. The suitability depends on the door construction, frame material, door weight and whether the existing hardware is compatible with the locking method being specified. We assess this during the site survey and advise on the most practical approach, including any minor modifications needed to the door or frame to achieve a clean, compliant installation.
What happens to access control during a power failure?
Behaviour during a power failure depends on the locking method, the fire strategy for the building and how the system is configured. Fail-safe locks (including most maglocks) release when power is lost, allowing free egress — this is typically required on fire escape routes. Fail-secure locks remain locked when power is lost, which may be appropriate for high-security areas but requires careful consideration of egress obligations. Most systems include a dedicated power supply unit (PSU) with battery backup to maintain operation during a mains failure for a defined period. The appropriate configuration for your building depends on your fire strategy, risk assessment and the specific doors involved — we advise on this as part of the design process.
Commercial Access Control Specialists
New installations, system upgrades, maintenance takeovers and fire alarm integration — for facilities managers, managing agents and commercial property operators across London and the South East.
Speak to an Engineer Today – 020 3376 2672